ModWood is an Australian made and owned composite product made essentially from a mixture of ground sustainable wood waste and plastic (we actually use recycled plastic milk bottles).
ModWood products contain no formaldehydes.

Melbourne, Australia

ModWood has excellent moisture resistance, however it should be noted that ModWood is not designed to “live in moisture” - this will eventually cause swelling and affect physical properties.

Yes, like timber, it is important to provide adequate ventilation to ensure ModWood is able to dry out after being wet. For this reason it is very important to pay attention to clearance on butt joins (end to end), spacing between boards (side by side), and minimum ground clearances.
Lack of ventilation will cause the product to swell and fail over time. Check product fixing instructions for information on ventilation requirements.
Boxing in the deck will reduce cross flow ventilation and therefore must be avoided.

No it cannot, ModWood requires spacing between and behind the boards to ensure adequate ventilation so that the wood fibres have the ability to dry out.
Therefore, this limits ModWood being able to be used in installations to provide primary weatherproofing element.
Refer to the fixing instructions.

ModWood decking will not warp provided it is used and fixed in accordance with fixing instructions.
ModWood mini board can in some circumstances, show some deflection between uprights.

The composition of ModWood products means that they will not splinter. This makes them ideal for small children.

Whilst ModWood has many fixing similarities to natural timber, there are a few subtle differences that must be observed.
Please check Fixing & Installation prior to installation.
If unsure please contact ModWood.

Yes, ModWood products are highly protected against UV radiation.
Please note however UV stabilisation is of the plastic component of the product only and does not have a great effect on the fading characteristics. For information on fading see above.

Tests have shown ModWood Natural Grain Collection has a similar surface temperature to timber of similar colours and finishes.
Please note because Black Bean and Jarrah are darker colours, they can get quite hot under foot, especially when new (similar to a dark painted timber decking board).
Refer to Technical on our website for more details.

Static electricity is an everyday phenomenon. A build-up of an electrostatic charge is possible when walking over ModWood decking when wearing synthetic shoe sole material. If you touch metal, water, or another person when your body is highly charged, the charge is discharged quickly as the material is highly conductive. In this case you may feel a shock. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is especially problematic in dry, windy climatic conditions and low relative humidity. To minimise the effect of ESD by installing an anti-static mat.

It is best to avoid coloured chalks that are used in construction as most coloured chalks are permanent!  Best alternatives are white chalk (Irwin Strait-Line Dust Off) or baby powder. Test on a small off cut if unsure and confirm that you can clean off successfully. Contact the manufacturer of the specific brand and colour of chalk for a cleaning solution that may prove effective prior to use. 

No, ModWood has been designed for use as decking and screening products only and cannot be classed as a “load bearing” product.

Yes, when butt joining top fix boards it is recommended to use a 45 mm joist to enable the fasteners to be located a minimum 15mm from the board end.

Below are the pros and cons of using the different faces:-

BRUSHED (lighter coloured face up)

Pros

• Must be used for decks under roof/cover

• A more “timber-like” surface feel

• Better non-slip feel in wet areas (e.g. around pools)

• Does not show scratches as easily

• Heavy scratches may be sanded or wire-brushed out

• Less colour shift/fade over time - apart from embossing

   lines fading

• A more durable finish

• Surface temperature of brushed feels cooler than smooth

• Can more easily take water based clear sealed or coloured

• Can be sealed as soon as the decking is installed, especially under an alfresco roof line.

Cons

• Susceptible to “fatty” stains due to the exposed wood fibre.

• Will pick up dirt/stains/mould more easily due to wood fibres

   exposed (these can usually be cleaned)

SMOOTH (darker coloured face up)

Pros

• More “plastic” at the surface gives better resistance to dirt

and grime (stays cleaner)

• A more solid colour

Cons

• Will show a higher degree of fade over the first few months

• Smoother surface may feel a bit more plastic.

• Surface temperature will get hotter - especially when new

• Smoother surface not quite as good for grip

• Cannot simply give a wire-brushing “touch-up” for scratches

• Needs to be well weathered before paint or stain will

   adhere properly

 ** For areas partially under roof/cover, the brushed / lighter side must face up.  For fully exposed areas; either face can be used..

See our Care and Maintenance and "Does ModWood Fade" for further details.

No – ModWood Natural Grain Collection can show scuffs and scratches, especially when new, and especially on the “smooth surface”. By rubbing on a

clear/natural decking oil with a clean rag the marks will be less noticeable.

Exposure to the weather will see the board fade to its natural colour, thus hiding scuff and scratch marks.

It is strongly recommended that all furniture on a ModWood deck has protective feet e.g. rubber stoppers applied to the legs to help prevent

scuffing or scratching of the deck surface. Please note, ModWood is a finished product-take care! See our web site under the section called Care & Maintenance for further details.

Important - the brushed surface on the Natural Grain Collection does not easily show scuffs and scratches.

This face is to be installed up when the product is intended for use under shade/cover. The brushed surface can be wire brushed.

The area you brush will quickly fade out and hide your repair.

Yes, Flame Shield® only, can be used as decking only in bushfire prone areas that have a bushfire attack level (BAL) up to and including BAL-40 (AS3959-2018). Flame Shield®, is certified to AS1530.8.1-2007 with a BAL-40 rating. Flame Shield® can be used in BAL-12.5, 19, 29, and BAL-40 rated areas.

Note, our non-flame retardant decking boards and mini boards must not be used in BAL rated zones. Flame Shield Instructions

ModWood Natural Grain Collection decking has very similar non-slip ratings to painted or coated timber decking products. Note, our 137mm profiles are manufactured to a higher anti slip rating of R11. For commercial areas which require a P4 or P5 rating (AS/NZS 4586-2013), Aqualis Traction can be applied to Natural Grain Collection only. This can be applied as a clear or colour sealer using a roller.

Note Xtreme Guard has the highest anti-slip rating P5.

Refer to Technical on our website for more details.

Yes, ModWood is an ideal decking to be used in a pool and spa environment. Also, as there is no likelihood of splinters occurring, it protects your feet.
Refer to fixing instructions with regards to ventilation requirements.

ModWood is ideal in a marine environment, being unaffected by the salt air.

ModWood is relatively maintenance free, however, regular cleaning is important in keeping the deck to look great. 

Do not use high pressure cleaners on ModWood. Sweeping and cleaning with

normal household cleaners are usually adequate to keep your deck

looking great. Aqualis Composite Bright or “Sugar soap”, mixed with water, works particularly well when used with a yard broom - take care not to scratch the

board surface. Stubborn (usually oil-based) stains on Natural Grain Collection can be difficult to remove - we find that water-diluted Aqualis Composite Bright or So Safe deck cleaning products very effective.

The use of Kenco degreaser works well for heavy spot stains - scrub in and

wash off after a few minutes. Periodic cleaning of expansion joints is also recommended. Aqualis Sealer can be applied to Natural Grain Collection only for those areas subject to high oil and fats staining to any area under a roof line that does not get full UV exposure.

Refer to “Care & Maintenance” on our web site for more detail.

Tests have shown that it is possible to remove graffiti paint by using Aqualis Strip-Ease.

Refer to Care & Maintenance on our web site for more detail.

You can stain ModWood Natural Grain Collection by using Aqualis Composite Sealer Clear or with pigment added (contact Aqualis Coatings directly for advice) to rejuvenate board colour.

Due to its high wood-fibre base, ModWood Natural Grain Collection when fully weathered, will accept some decking oils. 
Must be oil based and not water based decking oil! Sceneys Timber and Decking Oil and Feast Watson Traditional Timber Oil are suitable. Please note Feast Watson decking oil has a yellow tinge and is not suitable on our grey coloured boards. The plastic component of ModWood (especially the brushed and embossed finishes) can make good adherence of most coatings difficult, until it is fully weathered.

Before painting ModWood Natural Grain Collection, it should be given a coating of

Taubmans Prep Right oil based wood primer. Do not use the Prep Right if applying the Aqualis Composite Sealer.

We strongly recommend a small trial is done first with any of the above suggestions. 
Choose a small inconspicuous area to satisfy yourself that the result is desirable in terms of appearance and adhesion prior to applying to the total area.

More information at Care and Maintanence

Yes, water stain marks can show on ModWood boards. There are two types of water stains; both of which will generally disappear

with exposure to a reasonable soaking of rain and general weathering. Both can be cleaned fairly quickly with an application of diluted Aqualis Composite Bright.

a) Water stains from wood tannins will occur in the early life of your deck as the natural tannins come out of the wood fibres at the surface of the ModWood Natural Grain Collection.

This will happen in the early weeks of your deck, and will depend on how exposed to the elements your deck is before the weathering process is complete.

b) Water stains from water pooling or dripping can happen with ModWood just like it can with many other materials/surfaces such as timber flooring, glass, laminated tables etc. The visibility

of the stain will be governed by factors such as how dirty the deck is and how quickly the water dries from the water pooling.

Where decks are only partially exposed to the elements, water stain marks are more prone in this situation. This is due to the inability of the boards to be exposed to the weather to receive

a reasonable soaking of rain and general weathering. Clean as mentioned above. It is possible to apply Aqualis Composite Sealer to Natural Grain Collection in these areas which should minimise water stain marks.

Clean as mentioned above. Care and Maintanence

Some ModWood products have different joist spans to similar timber products.
Please check the Installation section for instructions for relevant product on our website.

A grooved timber or synthetic decking profile has the potential to create wind harmonics, depending on the site and the decking orientation to the wind direction. Winds also need to reach a minimum velocity before the harmonics will start. 

ModWood Xtreme Guard offers a square edge decking profile which will assist those sites where harmonics are a potential issue.

Customers are advised to contact ModWood who will assist with suggestions to minimise the noise level    

ModWood has a specific product (68 x 17mm) for use as screening. Other ModWood boards may also be used for screening.
Check fixing instructions for details.

With ModWood you can use standard power saws and drills. As with using any power tools, adequate personal protective equipment should be used when cutting or drilling ModWood.
The ModWood “sawdust”, is coarse, heavy sawdust that doesn’t tend to “float” in the air. This makes it safer for handling.

Refer above "What is ModWood"

Whether at the timber merchant premises or at your house awaiting installation, ModWood must be stored on edge in a dry, flat area under roof, covered with protective plastic and off the ground. Failure to keep packs dry in storage can lead to the growth of mould spores on boards. When moving product around, ModWood should be carried on its edge.

ModWood is a finished product – take care!